Travel data indicator



March 26, 1940. I J. w. ROBERTS 2,194,615

TRAVEL DATA INDICATOR Filed ,Jan. 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 /Mr2M/?a&ri:

INVENTOR ATTOR N EYS Mardh 26, I940.

J. W. ROBERTS TRAVEL DATA INDICATOR Filed Jan. 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 m h. w w r m M a mw z I l 2 y w m 90... w .0 m a l I 0 d 0 M w i 0 J 0 99 w u d 0 .d. mw e 9. 3 m 5 +5 a. 4 I: u O d w M ATTORNEYS Patented Mal. 26, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 5 Claims I My invention relates to automotive vehicles, and has among its objects and advantages the provision of an improved travel data. indicator.

The invention embodies a web of material such 8 as paper provided with travel data. useful to drivers of automobiles and trucks for indicating distances between different cities, route information and general data useful to a person driving through unfamiliar country. The web is associated with a pair of drums and means is provided for advancing the web step by step as successive miles are covered by the driver, so that the information disclosed by the web at any particular time will correspond to the position of the vehicle at that moment. In addition, the web is actuated in such manner and is vso exposed as to enable the driver to secure advanced information on roads, cities and the like considerably in advance of reaching any particular point. I 20 also provide novel means for actuating the web together with compensating means to provide for the increased and decreased sizes the drums.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of an 25 odometer such as is employed on automobiles, trucks or the like for recording mileage traveled by the vehicle, with certain parts broken away forthe purpose of illustrating the application of a periodically operated switch actuated through one of the counting wheels of the odometer;

Figure 2 is a face view of my invention; Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line 5--5 of Figure 3; and

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuit for periodically operating the indicator. In the embodiment selected to illustrate my invention, I make use of a box H) which may be formed of sheet metal and provided with a removable wall l2 provided with a sight opening l4 covered by a glass or other transparent material l6. Cover I2 is flanged at l8 and 26 with the flanges fitting snugly inside the side walls 22 and 24. Flanges 20 are pivotally connected at 26 with the side walls 22 and 24 while the opposite 50 end ofthe cover is provided with a lip 28 arranged to be pressed into connected relation with a hook 30 formed at one end of a resilient strap 32 fixedly connected at 34 to the wall 36. Hook 30 may be moved out or connected relation with the lip 2a 5 through the medium of a headed pin 38 extending through an opening in the wall 34 and connected with the strap 32. A

7 Between the flanges I8 I rotatably mount a drum or roller 40 which is flanged at 42 for guiding the convoluted web 44 wound thereon. Web 5 44 is stretched across a backing plate 46 and its opposite end is wound upon a drum or roller 48 rotatably journaled between the flanges 20. Roller 48 is provided with flanges 50 corresponding to the flanges 42.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the manner in which the drums 40 and 48 are rotatably mounted. Attention is directed to Figure 5 whichillustrates the mounting of the drum 48. The flanges 50 are centrally flanged at 52 to be pressed onto the re- 18 duced ends 54 of the rollers for fixedly connecting the parts. The roller is bored at 56 and 58 for the reception of pins 60 and 62, respectively, which rotatably support the roller. Pin 62 con stitutes a reduced extension of a rod 64 having its opposite end riveted at 66 to one of the flanges 20. Similarly, pin 60 constitutes an extension of a shaft 68 rotatably journaled in the sleeve 10 welded to the ofiset 12 struck from the other flange 20. Sleeve 10 is slotted longitudinally at I4 on 26 diametrically opposite linesand has frictional relation with the shaft 68 to support it in a sturdy manner. The end 16 of the shaft 68 is bored for loose connection with a turning ring 18 which normally lies between the ofiset 12 and the wall 22 of the housing Ill.

Cover l2 may be moved to an open position about the axes of the pivotal connections 26. Such opening of the cover will carry the drums 40 and 48 therewith so as to lend access thereto. With the cover opened, ring 18 is accessible for rotating the shaft 68 to bring its transverse pin 8|] into registration with the slot 14, at which time the shaft may be shifted longitudinally sufficiently far to bring the pin 80 clear of the drum 48 to permit disconnection of the drum from the pins 60 and 62. Thus the hinged cover provides an advantageous mount for the drums in addition to constituting a carrier through the medium of which the drums may be shifted as a unit to positions exteriorly of the housing l0. Thus I provide means which facilitates loading of the web 44 as well as manual adjustment thereof whenever occasion requires a manual adjustment. Since the drum 40 is detachably related to the flanges IS in the same manner as set forth in connection with drum 48, as illustrated in Figure 5, it is thought that the description of one is entirely suflicient.

Web 44 is provided-with perforations 82 which u are arranged in a straight line longitudinally of the web for cooperation with a sprocket wheel 84 rotatably mounted on a shaft 86 supported on a bracket 88 constituting a strap-like extension of a bed plate 90. The teeth 92 of the sprocket wheel 84 extend through the perforations in the web 44 for moving the web across the sight opening I4. Cover I2 is provided with a plate.94 under which the web 44 passes, which plate is slotted at 96 to provide accommodation for the teeth 92. Slot 96 is substantially of the same width as the teeth 92 so as to provide an effective backing for the web to insure effective driving relation between the web and the sprocket wheel.

Bed plate 90 is provided with legs 98 secured to the wall 24 by rivets I00. Upon the bed plate 90 I mount a solenoid I02 through the medium of a bracket I04. Between the bracket I04 and the bed plate 90 I position a sleeve spacer I06 through which the pivot pin I08 extends. Pin I08 includes a head I I0 for drawing the bracket against one end of the sleeve I06 and the opposite end of the pin is riveted at II2 to the bed plate 90. However, the bracket I04 may be rotated on the pin I08 through the medium of a handle I I4 which extends through a slot H6 in the wall II8 of the housing I0.

Solenoid I02 includes an armature I20 provided with a collar I22 between which and one end of the solenoid I position acompression spring I24 which normally urges the armature to the positions of Figures 3 and 4. The outer end of the armature I20 is slotted for the reception of one end of a short, flexible strap I26. The strap is fixedly related to the armature by rivets I20. To the outer end of the strap I26 I secure a frame I30 through the medium of an angle I32 which may be welded to the strap and the frame. Frame I30 includes arms I34 and I36 to the outerend of which I secure spaced plates I38 between which the peripheral margin of the sprocket wheel 84 is positioned to utilize the sprocket wheel as a guide element for the frame. Arm I34 includes a dog I40 while the arm I36 is provided with a similar dog I42.

Figure 3 illustrates the arm I34 being positioned with its dog I40 located between two of the teeth 92 so as to impart rotation to the sprocket wheel 84 in the direction of the arrow I44 when thearmature I20 is pulled into the solenoid. Dog I42 is located entirely clear of the teeth 92. The relation between the dogs I40 and I42 is selectively controlled through the medium of the handle II4. Figure 3 illustrates the handle as lying in one end of the slot H6, at which time the dog I40 is arranged in operative relation with the wheel 84. Shifting of the handle II4 to the opposite end of the slot moves the dog I40 clear of the wheel but brings the dog I42 into operative relation with the teeth 92.

Means are provided for latching the wheel 84 against accidental rotation during actuation thereof through the medium of either of the dogs I40 or I42. Such latch means is particularlydesirable during the return thrust of the arm carrying the actuating dog so as not to shift the web 44 in a backward direction. Figure 3 illustrates two diverging arms I46 and I48 interconnected through the medium of a strap I50 carried by a strap I52. Edge I54 is located in holding rela-' tion with one of the teeth 92 when the dog I40 is operatively related to the sprocket wheel 04, see Figure 3. When the dog I42 is shifted into operating relation with the wheel 84, the arms ing the edge I56 into operating relation with the wheel. It will thus be seen that withthe parts adjusted according to Figure 3, edge I54 restrains the wheel from counter rotation as the dog I-40 is moved back to the normal position illustrated. Similarly, the edge I56 will restrain counter rotation of the wheel as the dog I 42 is .thrust back to its normal position.

Means for shifting the arms I46 and I48 simultaneously with adjustment of the frame I30 resides in the strap I52 which is pivotally connected at I58 with the bed plate substantially inter mediate its ends. The end of the strap is slotted at I60 for loosely receiving a pin I62 carried by the bracket I 04 for pivoting the strap through pivotal movement of the bracket I04.

Upon the bed plate 90 I mount a relay I64 which is electrically connected with the solenoid I I12 and is controlled through the medium of a switch actuated through the medium of one of the counter wheels of the odometer. Figure 1 illustrates the units wheel I66 of the odometer I68 as being provided with a notch I 10. Units wheel I66 makes a complete revolution for each mile traveled by the vehicle, and the wheel is provided with one notch I10 only for actuating the switch I12 momentarily once for each mile covered by the vehicle. 1

Switch I12 comprises an insulated tube I14 pro-- vided with a flange I16 secured to the casing wall I18 by screws I80. A shaft I82 is slidable inside the metallic liner I84 pressed into the insulated tube I14. A wire I86 is electrically connected with the sleeve I84 and the shaft I82 is arranged in conducting relation with the sleeve.

and to the outer end of the shaft I connect a bar I90 which carries an insulated lug I92 at one end arranged to fall into the recess I10 when the two are aligned. Lug I92 is curved at I94 so as to be easily cammed out of the recess for moving the bar I90 out of spaced relation wtih the end I96of a conducting bar I98 having an ear 200 fixedly secured to the frame 202 of the odometer through the medium of a screw 204. Ear 200 is grounded at 206. Bar I90 has conducting relation with the conducting bar I98 only when the lug I921ies in the recess I10. Such conductive relation is established momentarily once for each mile traveled by the vehicle.

Figure 6 illustrates the electric circuit. Wire I86 leads to the relay I64 and the relay is connected with a wire 208 connected with a terminal 2I0 electrically connected with a switch arm 2I2. A wire 2I4 leads to the ignition switch 2I6 and is connected with the battery 2I8 which is grounded at 220. Switch arm 2I2 is arranged to engage a contact 222 connected with a wire 224 leading to the solenoid I02 grounded at 226.

In operation, relay I 64 is energized at the moment the lug I92 drops into the recess I 10. The energized relay attracts the switch arm 2I2 to the position of Figure 6 for closing the circuit through the solenoid I02. Relay I64 draws little current so as to eliminate objectionable arcing in connection with the switch I12.

Energization of the solenoid I02 draws the armature I20 inwardly for actuating the wheel 84 for shifting the web 44. Thus the web 44 is shifted in successive steps distances representing corresponding miles traveled by the vehicle. Web 44 may be provided with any type of desirable travel information as indicated generally at 228 in Figure 2. The information may comprise highway routes and identification therefor, distances between towns and cities as well as information on hotel accommodations, etc. Distances traveled by the vehicle in terms of web shifting may be read in connection with the pointer 230 associated with the sight opening it.

Drums ti) and 68 are rotated simultaneously through the medium of the wheel M. An endless belt encircles the two drums for supporting the same against accidental relative movement in addition to supporting the convoluted web in tightly wound relation with the drums. In Figures 3 and 4, I illustrate the endless belt 232 as comprising a rubber band. The rubber band is tensioned about the wound web on the two drums and one run of the web passes across the face of the web lying on the backing plate it. Since the band is under tension, rotation of one drum for unwinding web therefrom imparts rotation to the other drum for web take-up purposes. Thus the run of the web extending across thebacking plate'46 will be maintained taut and the take-up drum is operated emciently for taking up slack in the web. The resilient nature of the band is such as to compensate variable diameters of the'two drums during winding and unwinding of the web.

Housing Iii comprises a small unit in which the wiring leading to the housing is of such length as to accommodate placement of the housing in diflerent positions. The unit may be placed on one of the seats or laid on the floor.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

I claim:

1. A travel data indicator for automotive vehicles provided with an odometer mechanism comprising a housing having a sight opening, drums rotatably mounted in the housing, a web provided with travel data wound on said drums having a run extending across said sightopening, electrically actuated means insidesaid housing operatively connected with the web for moving the same distances representing distances traveled by the vehicle, a switch operatively connected with said odometer mechanism to be opened and closed at predetermined intervals,

an electrical connection between said switch and the electrically operated means, said web being provided with perforations, said electrically actuated means including a toothed element cooperating with the perforations in the web for moving the same, and a reciprocated ratchet mechanism f for rotating the toothed element when said provided withtravel data wound on said drums having a run extending across said sight opening, electrically. actuated means inside said housing operatively connected with the web ifor movingthe same distances representing distances traveled by the vehicle, a switch operatively connected with said odometer mechanism to be opened and closed at predetermined intervals.

an electrical connection between said switch and the electrically operated means, said web being provided with perforations, said electrically actuated means'includinga toothed element cooperating with the perforations in the web for moving the same, and a reciprocated ratchet mechanism for rotating the toothed element when said switch is closed, said ratchet mechanism being adjustable to different positions for rotating the toothed element in opposite directions.

3. A travel data indicator for automotive vehicles provided with an odometer mechanism comprising a housing having a sight opening,

I drums rotatably mounted in the housing, a web provided with travel data wound on said drums having a run extending across saidsight opening, electrically actuated means inside said housing operatively connected with the web for movin the same distances traveled by the vehicle, a switch operatively connected with said odometer mechanism to be opened and closed at predetermined intervals, an electrical connection between said switch and the electrically operated means, an endless drive ele-. ment encircling the drums and the web wound thereon for rotating the drums in unison, said web being provided with perforations, said electrically actuated means including a toothed element cooperating with the perforations in the web for moving the same, and a reciprocated ratchet mechanism for rotating the toothed element when said switch is closed.

, 4. A travel data indicator for automotive vehicles provided with an odometer mechanism comprising a housing having a sight opening, drums rotatably mounted in the housing, a web provided with travel data wound on said drums having a run extending across said sight opening, electrically actuated means inside said housing operatively connected with the web for moving the same distances representing distances traveled by the vehicle, a. switch operatively connected' with said odometer mechanism to be opened and closed at predetermined intervals, an electrical connection between said switch and the electrically operated means, said housing being provided with a door, and a backing plate carried by the door underlying the run of the web between the two drums, said drums being mounted on said door and movable therewith as a unit.

5. A travel data indicator for automotive vehicles provided with an odometer mechanism comprising a housing having a sight opening, drums rotatably mounted in the housing, a web provided with travel data wound on said drums having a run extending across said sight opening, electrically'actuated means inside said housing operatively connected with the web for moving the same distances representing distances traveled by the vehicle, a switch operatively connected with said odometer mechanism to be opened and closed at predetermined intervals, and an electrical connection between said switch and the electrically operated means, said electrically actuated means including a solenoid actuated ratchet mechanism for driving the-web, said solenoid actuated ratchet mechanism being adiustable to diflerentpositions for moving the web in difl'erent directions.

. JOHN W. ROBERTS.

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